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On October 9, 2017, the Independent Life Support Model was instituted through the publication of the Decree-Law No 129/2017.

With the ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, in July 2009, the Portuguese Republic undertook to promote, protect and guarantee decent living conditions for persons with disabilities, taking responsibility for the adoption of the necessary measures to guarantee persons with disabilities the full recognition and exercise of their rights, within a framework of equality and opportunities.

This is how this Model is born and whose philosophy is a paradigm shift in public policies of inclusion of people with disabilities as it seeks to reverse the trend towards institutionalization and family dependence, in order to promote autonomy, self-determination and active participation in society of these people, through the provision of personal assistance

The implementation of the Model is done through pilot projects promoted by the Independent Life Support Centres (CAVI), which are structures responsible for providing personal assistance to people with disabilities.

There are 35 Independent Life Support Centres (CAVI) in operation throughout mainland Portugal, which currently support almost 900 people with disabilities, in various activities and contexts.

About 900 people are supported by more than 600 personal assistants, mediated by 96 members of CAVI's technical teams.

On May 5th, the European Day of Independent Living was celebrated and this Institute marked the beginning of the MAVI (Model for Supporting Independent Living) Good Practice Event, which had 5 sessions on May 5, 6, 12, 13 and 19.

In the first session we had the presence of Ana Sofia Antunes, Secretary of State for the Inclusion of People with Disabilities, and we heard the testimonies of five people receiving personal assistance, moderated by Ana Luísa Correia of CAVI of the APN.

The second session was opened by Humberto Santos, president of the Board of Directors of the National Institute for Rehabilitation, and with the participation of five family members, moderated by Guida Oliveira do CAVI of APC Viseu. The closing session was in charge of Dulce Barros representing the Regional Coordination and Development Commission of Lisboa e Vale do Tejo.

The third session was opened by António Travassos on behalf of the president of CCDR do Algarve and with the participation of five personal assistants, moderated by Ângelo Barata of CAVI da ADM Estrela. The closing session was attended by Marina Van Zeller, Vice-President of the Board of Directors of the National Institute for Rehabilitation.

In the fourth session we had the presence of Domingos Lopes, Chairman of the POISE steering committee, and with the participation of five members of CAVI technical teams, moderated by Vítor Carvalho of CAVI da Coopcuidar. The closure had the contribution of Filipe Ferreira, Metropolitan Secretary of AML.

On the last day of the event, the opening session was attended by Humberto Santos, president of the Board of Directors of the National Institute for Rehabilitation, and 4 rapporteurs from different CAVI who presented the conclusions of each of the previous sessions, moderated by Fernanda Sousa. The closure was attended by Ana Sofia Antunes, Secretary of State for the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities.

The contributions presented were very illustrative of the path taken in the context of these matters and their importance for society, and particularly for all the people involved.

It is a model that has changed the lives of people with disabilities and their families, in that it has provided the realization of various activities autonomously, but also of personal assistants themselves, given what were the testimonies presented.

But the Independent Life Support Model is the beginning of a process, of a path in which everyone without exception is aware that there is always more to do, but surely it is a privilege and pride to be part of this unprecedented moment that makes all the difference in people's lives.

If you haven't had a chance to watch it live, you can do so HERE.. All broadcast sessions can be viewed on INR YouTube Channel.